Release Date: August 5, 2022
Label: MuSick Recordings
Hailing from Milan, Italy, is the eclectic surf rock band Wave Electric. Their self-titled LP, released three years ago, is a significant milestone in their career. The album’s title, 'Wave Electric', not only represents the band’s identity but also serves as a testament to their unique sound and style. I want to thank Art Bourasseau of MuSick Recordings for getting this great slice of (yellow) vinyl to me.
The cover is intriguing and very suggestive, if not a blatant view of sexuality. This is rock and roll, and they were unashamed to display it. I say good for them! Let it rip, boys!
What I heard was a band that covered the surf instrumental genre and a good range of the sub-genres. Their versatility and talent come through splendidly on each track of this LP with all the complexities and transitions we enjoy as listeners. They provide all that exceptionally well.
“Shot In The Head” immediately gets your attention just by the title alone, and the music fits as well. They kick start things with some high-energy riffs and strong leads on the six-string. It’s soaked in the echoes of reverb.
At first blush, I recognized this sound, and it comes pretty quickly if you have familiarity with the genre and well-known bands; it’s Slacktone! I am not taking anything away from them here; it’s a compliment and a killer way to start the album.
“Berlin” has a slower intro before it breaks out into a full surf instro rock mode. Bass and drums are rock steady (and they are all the way through this album). The transition is notable here, going back to the beginning and then moving into a flat-out rocking section.
“Waves” (what an appropriate title!) begins with a drum intro, then straight into the guitar as they run up and down the frets with an emphasis on the twang and the use of the whammy bar for that reverberating effect, we all know and love. Suddenly, a brief “Wipe Out” like transition, then it closes out.
“Moon Surfing” brings in some heavy bass, which is very effective. Staccato riffs and the whammy bar provide all the right effects as you imagine actually surfing on the moon, how cool would that be!
“Alien Attack” is the perfect segue from the previous track (in relation to space). Slow shimmering waves of guitar come flowing out of your speakers with a soft bottom end for it all to land on as the tempo rises with rapid fire riffs (like a machine gun) from the guitar men.
“Fantasmatron” is an excellent title for a song. It leaves a lot to the imagination. Twangy and atmospheric, it hints that evil is right around the corner. Then it morphs into something more with a change into a more lighthearted mode, albeit briefly, with some soft picking, then a return to the rocking surf instro sounds. The drum and bass are on fire here, providing a superb complement to the ever-changing guitar lines. This is all skillfully done, and the best track on the album.
“Margaritas By The Shore” is everything you would expect, with tempo and trying to imagine the scenery suggested by the title. Subtle picking and then it picks up as the rhythm guitar is spot on, driving along things with help from the bottom end. The guitars move back and forth between tempos and instrumentation, and the echoing licks, whether slower or faster, perfectly capture the surf and sand as you sip this cool drink of sound as the first side of the platter closes out.
“Hangover (Pt. III)” opens side two with an excellent bass line as the drums come in with some subtlety. The guitars join the mix with some slow, low-tempo melodicism. There is some good rhythm following all that as well. At no point do they cut loose on this one. I think the idea is to keep it low because a hangover can be very sensitive to loud and brash noise! All tastefully done, giving you doses of their exceptional versatility.
“Grandfather” continues along the softer side of their repertoire, but this time with a more retro feel to it all. It sounds like a 50s melody with a 60s take and surfy. There is a change with a quick burst, then back to a waltz on surf guitar sound. Once again, there is a solid rhythm guitar laying down a strong foundation for the leads.
“The Gypsy Fly” goes back to some high-steppin’ picking with a walking bass line, then into what sounds like a polka drum beat, and a guitar workout follows. The rhythm and tempo made me think of Slacktone again. Then yet another wild change with a “flight of the bumblebee” riff, then a quick switch to an Eastern European celebration gypsy dance! Insane mixture of influences and changes in this one, wow!
“Walking Under City Lights” features a pulsating bass line and a twangy, foot-tapping guitar, as the rhythm is fast and steady. Then, a slight fuzz tone is added for variation and a constant, reverberating guitar line. These colorful sounds are their trademark as they continually get on this merry-go-round of sound again, transitioning from beginning to end. Impressive.
“Cesenatico” features a fine bass line, and the drums are steady and straightforward for this boogie, with a hint of country twang. This is a real mover with a danceable rhythm. In case you were interested, Cesenatico is a port town with about 26,000 inhabitants on the Adriatic coast of Italy.
“A Song For Dick” is a fitting tribute to the King of the Surf Guitar, Dick Dale. Wave Electric’s rendition of his unmistakable sound is a powerful homage, with rapid-fire and powerful guitar licks that echo his legacy. It’s a nostalgic journey from rocking to the more melodic side, a reminder that Dick Dale’s influence will never fade.
Wave Electric is a master class in surf instrumental rock and all the variations of tempos and styles. This is continued proof of the many dimensions of surf instro and its global reach. Well done, gentleman!
Wave
Electric Is:
Bass Guitar – Carlo Leonello Uberti
Drums – Andrea Bonzini
Lead Guitar, Rhythm Guitar – Alessandro Maderna
Lead Guitar, Rhythm Guitar, Acoustic Guitar – Mattia Dambrosio
Keith
“MuzikMan” Hannaleck-Surf Music and Art Reviews Founder
September
18, 2025
Tracks:
Side A
1. Shot In The Head
2. Berlin
3. Waves
4. Moon Surfing
5. Alien Attack
6. Fantasmatron
7. Margaritas By The Shore
Side B
1. Hangover (Pt. III)
2. Grandfather
3. The Gypsy Fly
4. Walking Under City Lights
5. Cesenatico
6. A Song For Dick
